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Travel

Abene is closer to the Gambian border than to Dakar. Flights to Banjul and Dakar are available all year. However we recommend you to plan your holiday in Casamance between October and April, outside the rainy season which means frequent heavy rain. The poor state of some roads can occasionally make it difficult to get around during that season.

Situated close to the Gambian border, it is easier to fly to Banjul than Dakar. We are happy to come and pick you up at the airport if you wish. The journey by road takes approximately 2 hours from Banjul Airport to "Abene village". Hiring a car exclusively for you which takes you directly from the airport to Abene costs approximately 45.000cfa

However if you decide to fly to Dakar, we highly recommend you to take the "Willis" which is a comfortable boat which travels between Dakar and Ziguinchor (see information below). We can arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you directly from Ziguinchor harbour to Abene; it costs approximately 35.000cfa. If you wish to travel by road please be aware that it takes a whole day to reach Abene by this type for transport and you will need to take a seat in a 7 seater car from the coach station called"garage". Please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to advise you on these different types of transport.

Information about the "Willis":
-Dakar-Ziguinchor: runs Tuesdays and Fridays, departure 20h00, check-in at 17h00,arrival 10h00
-Ziguinchor-Dakar: runs Thursdays and Sundays, departure at 15h00, check-in at 12h00, arrival 11h00
It is advised to book in advance and you can go the harbour on arrival in Dakar to purchase your tickets.
Prices: seat 15.000cfa, dormitory (quite comfortable) 18.500cfa, cabin 28.500cfa. For further information, visit www.somat.sn.

If you are not a UK resident, please check if you need a visa to enter Gambia or Senegal.

If you are of French nationality you will need a visa to enter Gambia. A single entry visa costs approximately Ł20, a multiple entry visa costs approximately Ł50. It is recommended to take a multiple entry visa if you wish to take part to excursions which require to cross Gambia.

You may wish to contact the Gambian High Commission in London on 020 7937 6316 or the Senegalese Embassy on 020 7938 4048.